Art

DOWNTOWN MERRIAM MURAL by Michael Young

5701 Merriam Drive, Merriam KS 66202
Located in the main lobby of Irene B. French Community Center, this 4'x9' mural by Merriam artist Michael Young depicts downtown Merriam circa 1940. The stylized painting was painted from a 1940 snapshot taken by Dr. Fawks, whose family was prominent in Merriam for over 50 years.

HISTORIC MERRIAM MURAL by Charles Goslin

9001 W. 62nd Street, Merriam KS 66202
Located in the Community Training Room at Merriam City Hall, this historic mural depicts much of Merriam's history including: Merriam Park, David Gee Campbell, Quaker Mission, Indians, a covered wagon and trolley car, the first permanent school building, and many other Merriam homes and businesses from the 1860's to the 1930's. The Indian with his fist raised was originally painted with a tomahawk in his hand. However, this was later painted out because the scene was misleading. He was at the Quaker Mission to pick up his bride, and, when the missionaries refused to let her go with him, he raised his weapon.

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HMMM... by Joshua Weiner

Waterfall Park, 5191 Merriam Drive​The sculpture, "Hmmm..." is designed by Colorado artist Joshua Weiner. A nine-foot tall caterpillar stands next to a 12-foot cairn (a stack of granite river boulders) with a butterfly perched on top. Created as a playful exploration of place-making and identity, this fun, new art piece resides at Merriam's Waterfall Park.

MOTHERHOOD by Kwan Wu

6304 East Frontage Road, Merriam KS 66202
Located at Merriam Historic Plaza, this bronze sculpture and water fountain by artist Kwan Wu was dedicated and installed in 2006. The mother bear and cubs sculpture celebrates one of the most popular features of historic Merriam Park, a 40-acre amusement park once located in Merriam, KS.

PLANTING THE SEEDS by Christopher Weed5740 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS 66202Located at the Merriam Marketplace, the stunning sculpture Planting the Seeds was inspired by nature. Each sphere’s brilliant mirror finish with organic variations suggests a large, sprouting seed. The goal of the piece is to transform the viewer to another realm – muting outside distractions and providing an opportunity to reflect, if only for a moment. Planting the Seeds represents the second in a five-year placemaking initiative to enhance public spaces in downtown Merriam. Learn more.

STILL TIME by Dan Maginn, DRAW Architecture + Urban Design

Johnson Drive & Merriam Drive (just west of I-35) Still Time represents the first in a five-year place-making initiative to enhance public spaces in downtown Merriam. This sculpture resembles a tall, stone tower with a church bell tower and large wind chime inside. Learn more about Still Time and the place-making initiative from KCUR 89.3.

TIM MURPHY ART GALLERY

5701 Merriam Drive, Merriam KS 66202
Located inside the Irene B. French Community Center on the third level (elevator provided), Merriam's art gallery features different artists and collections each month with opening receptions on first Thursday evenings.

TRINITY by Dirk Van Keppel

9100 W. 74th Street, Merriam KS 66203
TRINITY is a commissioned work by Merriam artist Dierk Van Keppel for the Shawnee Mission Medical Center. Its flow of color and shape is a constant reminder of the grandeur and presence of God.

VAVRA PARK FOUNTAIN6040 Slater Street, Merriam KS 66203

This water feature is located nearby the popular Vavra Park at 60th & Slater in Merriam. The cascading waterfall adds a whimsical and natural element to the park grounds which are open dawn to dusk daily.